Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Largo Explorer: Idyllic site for a reviving reverie

It's John S. Taylor Park, a wonderful retreat from hustle and bustle. Largo explorer Pages 8,9

By Piper Castillo, Times Staff Writer
Published February 10, 2008

John S. Taylor Park's hidden nooks and crannies are open for adventure, seven days a week.
	[Jim Damaske | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Jim Damaske | Times] The sky reflects in the surface of McKay Creek, which runs out of the south end of Taylor Reservoir at Taylor Park, a great place for exploring the natural beauty of undeveloped Florida. [Jim Damaske | Times] A snowy egret plies the bank of McKay Creek on the south end of Taylor Park on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon. Many other species of fowl and critter go about their quiet business there including ibis, anhingas, even, perhaps, alligators.

My kids and I start our exploration of John S. Taylor Park in the back parking lot. ¶ Although Sunday visitors are filling up the east side of the park, here near Shelter 6, we are alone. We deem this place perfect.

In 2000, we bought a house within walking distance of Taylor Park, located at 1100 Eighth Ave. SW. In the last eight years, it has become embedded in our hearts. We've befriended our neighbors and their dogs while walking next to the water. We've held countless family picnics, morning runs and three Easter egg hunts under the tall shade trees.

On this particular day, Sofia, 5, is confronting life without training wheels on her bicycle.

"This is right where your brother rode the first time. You're on the magic spot," I said.

She peered ahead at Louie, 12, circling on his bike at the other end of the lot. She started to peddle. She picked up just enough speed. She gave me three wobbly laps as I hooted and hollered.

Then, my kids left me in the dust. Louie led Sofia down to my husband who was waiting on the park's main trail along Taylor Lake.

I peek through my binoculars. Along with Sofia cruising merrily along, I see two boats on the water. Four people play on the disc golf course. Yet, except for my Lab, Apache, I am the lone hiker heading toward the back trails, which run parallel to McKay Creek.

I walk beside the narrow waterway. Six ibis meander by, poking the mud. An anhinga, perched in the sun, has its wings spread, drying.

Apache pulls me into the woods at the first available opening, leading me down a skinny trail. I think about last Christmas, when the kids took their Grandma Betty here. "Why, I feel like I'm in a faraway place," she said. "Thank you for bringing me."

A heron squawks and flies from a bay tree, heading south, toward Walsingham Road. I rest on a fallen pine for a few minutes then walk among clustered cabbage palms and small oak trees. At a clearing, Apache and I see Joseph Carnes, of Largo, and his poodle, Raggie. "Down here, I never run into alligators and rarely humans," he says.

In the distance, I spot my family. The kids dart into the woods, leaving their bikes under a tree. Apache and I join the family at Louie's "hut," a muddy shelter covered in old palm fronds he created a few weeks ago.

"Louie told me as long as I keep this place a secret, I could come to his hut today," says Sofia, grinning ear-to-ear.

I'm all for sibling bonding, but I can't keep this secret. John S. Taylor Park's hidden nooks and crannies are open for adventure, seven days a week.

Park amenities

picnic shelters • playground equipment • a softball diamond and a large playing field • an 1.8-mile running/exercise trail

Namesake

Named for John S. Taylor, a lobbyist who assisted in the successful effort for Pinellas independence in 1912. He also served as a state senator and owned one of the most successful citrus packing and growing operations in Florida.

John S. Taylor Park

1100 8th Ave. SW

156.5 acres, including a 53-acre freshwater lake. Amenities include group picnic shelters, playground equipment, a softball diamond and a large, open playing field. A 1.8-mile running/exercise trail was added in 1982.

DON'T KEEP IT A SECRET: Do you know a hidden treasure that would make for a good Largo Explorer column? Tell us about it! Contact Largo Times editor Carrie Weimar at 727 445-4151 or cweimar@sptimes.com.

Don't keep it a secret: Do you know a hidden treasure that would make for a good Largo Explorer column? Tell us about it! Contact Largo Times editor Carrie Weimar at (727) 445-4151 or cweimar@sptimes.com.

[Last modified February 9, 2008, 21:54:38]